Farrell Freshman 15: Nos. 10-12
The regular season has ended and despite a weird 2020, we are still doing a Farrell Freshman 15 naming the top true freshmen in the country. And this was a deep group this season. We continue with Nos. 10-12.
Mark Pszonak contributed to this story.
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FARRELL FRESHMAN 15: Nos. 13-15
CLASS OF 2021 RANKINGS: Rivals250 | Position | Team | State
CLASS OF 2022 RANKINGS: Rivals250 | Position | Team | State
COVERAGE: Rivals Transfer Tracker | Rivals Camp Series
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12. TE Arik Gilbert, LSU
The skinny: Gilbert focused his recruiting efforts on LSU, Georgia, Alabama, Clemson and Texas A&M, but it truly came down to the Tigers, Bulldogs and Tide. While Alabama was considered the leader at one point and he took an official visit to Georgia the weekend before his decision, at the end LSU snuck in and grabbed the commitment. Immediately impressing everyone with his athleticism, he continued to impress on the field with 35 receptions for 368 yards and two touchdowns.
Farrell’s take: Gilbert might not be coming back to LSU, but when he was there he was outstanding. He’s a mismatch from the flex position or on the outside and would have had bigger numbers had he not opted out after eight games. He has lived up to his five-star billing.
11. TE Michael Mayer, Notre Dame
The skinny: Mayer committed to Notre Dame during the summer leading up to his junior season. There was no drama in his recruitment as he always favored the Irish and never wavered on his word after his commitment. While he split time with Brock Wright and Tommy Tremble this fall, he continuously improved and saw increased playing time. With 35 receptions for 388 yards and two touchdowns heading into the College Football Playoff, he is now a major part of the offense for the Irish.
Farrell’s take: Mayer is an absolute monster of a tight end and was considered for his fifth star last year. Despite a few drops, he’s been very productive and as he adds to his route running, he will be dangerous in the red zone.
CB Emmanuel Forbes, Mississippi State
The skinny: Forbes committed to Mississippi State during the winter after his junior season. While he showed some interest in Tennessee and Ole Miss, which he took an unofficial to after his commitment to the Bulldogs, Mississippi State was able to keep him in the fold. He turned in a fantastic true freshman season in Starkville, totaling 42 tackles, 4 interceptions, two of which were returned for a touchdown, and six pass breakups.
Farrell’s take: The tall and skinny Rivals250 prospect was a talented prospect coming out of high school but even this impact is unexpected. His length and ball skills are better than expected already and he’s a name to watch down the line for the NFL.